General Atomics Reveals New Anti-Drone Laser for MQ-9 Drones

2025-04-28 companies

San Diego, Monday, 28 April 2025.
General Atomics is developing a groundbreaking air-to-air laser for MQ-9 drones, offering persistent counter-drone capabilities despite size constraints. This advancement emphasizes evolving technology in military defense.

Development of the Airborne Laser Program

On April 25, 2025, General Atomics officially announced its development of a cutting-edge air-to-air laser for the MQ-9 drone fleet used by the U.S. military. This laser weapon, designed under a joint program with the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to provide enhanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. General Atomics confirmed that the laser’s power level would initially be 25 kilowatts, with potential scalability up to 300 kilowatts, which highlights the system’s adaptability to future demands [1][2].

Technical Specifications and Constraints

Despite the promising capabilities of the new airborne laser system, it faces size constraints due to the MQ-9 drone’s existing design. The laser’s power is deliberately limited to 25 kilowatts per the current payload capacity of the MQ-9 Reaper drones. This limitation is offset by using battery packs that act as a buffer between the aircraft’s power system and the laser, allowing for extended operational durations and consistent energy supply [1][2]. The drones equipped with these lasers can perform both 24/7 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and C-UAS missions [2].

Testing and Future Implications

Testing of the major components of the laser weapon has been completed on the ground, although the fully integrated system has yet to undergo comprehensive airborne trials [3][4]. The modularity of the system represents a significant leap in military aeronautical technology, enabling the drone to counter various emerging aerial threats effectively. This development aligns with broader defense initiatives to harness cutting-edge technology for proactive and reactive threat management [5].

Significance in Military Defense Strategy

The introduction of this technology marks a milestone in the ongoing evolution of military defense strategies, particularly in the realm of drone warfare. By deploying lasers on drones, General Atomics seeks to revolutionize how military forces engage with hostile drones, a growing threat in modern combat scenarios [1]. With this capability, the U.S. military could maintain a persistent C-UAS presence in critical regions, underpinning strategic defense initiatives in areas of geopolitical tension [2][3].

Sources

General Atomics Drone laser